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18
from consumption, and 97 from other diseases of the
lungs. In the workhouse the deaths amounted to 82,
twelve of the number being 80 years and upwards.
In comparing the mortality of the year 1868 with
that of former years, we find that the number of deaths
was above the average. The number of deaths caused
by scarlatina, diarrhœa, and croup were considerably
larger than usual, as were diseases of the brain, of the
heart, and of the lungs. Whooping cough has been
much below the average. Fever has not been so fatal
this year as usual, but so many cases are at once sent
to the Fever Hospital that the spread of the disease is
checked. From apoplexy and other diseases of the
brain we had 58 deaths, while in the preceding year
there were 74. From premature birth and infantile
debility we had 29 deaths, which is about the average
from this cause. Thirty-six deaths were attributed to
old age, no disease having been specified as a cause of
death. Out of these 36 deaths, 12 were 80 years old
and upwards. Fractures, burns, and other accidents
were the cause of 32 deaths, being above the average
from these causes.
The condition of the houses occupied by the working
classes has improved, the Vestry notices in regard to
cleanliness and repairs are fairly carried out in most
instances. I am of opinion that the great evils of dirt
and destructiveness, on the part of tenants, are much
more difficult of cure than the neglect of landlords in
relation to repairs, &c., for we observe too frequently
that tenants of such houses are very careless in keeping
the rooms and staircases in decent order.
In the worst parts of the parish the houses are
cleansed and whitewashed once in the year. The
supply of water is satisfactory, but the vessels for
storing it are too frequently tubs, which are necessarily
more exposed to dirt and impurities than proper
cisterns. The condition of the closets in some of the
courts are too often in a very neglected sta e, and, in